*NEW PRODUCT* Happy Valley No. 7 — A Modern Cleaner for Modern Fouling

*NEW PRODUCT*

Happy Valley No. 7 — A Modern Cleaner for Modern Fouling

At RMC Ox-Yoke, we believe every reliable shot starts with a clean barrel. That’s why we developed Happy Valley No. 7 — a purpose-built cleaner designed to tackle the stubborn, modern fouling that many traditional shooters are seeing today, especially from Blackhorn 209 and similar smokeless-like substitutes. If you hunt with repeatable, reliable loads and you’ve wrestled with gummy residues that resist soap and elbow grease, No. 7 was made for you.

What it is

Happy Valley No. 7 is a biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner formulated to break down the waxy, nitrocellulose-type residue left by modern substitute powders and the heavy lubricants used on maxi and conical bullets. It’s strong on fouling, gentle on metal, and designed with the field shooter in mind — fast action, no mystery ingredients you can’t pronounce, and clean results that make follow-up maintenance easier.

Why it matters

Traditional black powder fouling and modern substitute fouling behave differently. Black powder leaves a powdery, water-soluble residue that a routine cleaning handles well, but Blackhorn-type fouling can set up like varnish: sticky, gummy, and stubborn. Left too long it gums up the touch hole, clogs the bore, and makes ignition or accuracy an afterthought.

Happy Valley No. 7 bridges that gap. We formulated it to:

• Break down gummy, modern fouling quickly.
• Reduce scrubbing time and minimize metal wear from harsh brushes.
• Rinse clean with ordinary water — leaving a light, protective film that helps repel rust until you can run your final oil.
• Be safer for you and the environment: biodegradable and non-toxic (follow label precautions).

How to use (simple, field-friendly)

1. Unload & safety first. Make sure the firearm is completely unloaded and the percussion cap/primer removed. Work in a well-ventilated area.
2. Apply No. 7. For heavy fouling: squirt or brush No. 7 into the bore and let it soak 3–5 minutes. For routine service: dampen a patch and run through once.
3. Agitate. Run a bronze brush or tight patch through to loosen residue. You’ll notice gummy fouling break up more readily than with water alone.
4. Flush & dry. Rinse with warm water (or wipe with wet patches) until the patches run clean. Dry the bore thoroughly.
5. Protect. Apply a light film of your preferred gun oil or bore protector for storage.

(Always test a small area first on blued or specialty finishes. While No. 7 is formulated to be gentle, different finishes and antiques deserve a quick spot check.)

Benefits you’ll notice

• Less elbow grease. What used to take multiple passes and aggressive solvents usually comes clean in fewer wipes.
• Faster turnaround. Get back in the field sooner — especially important on multi-day hunts.
• Friendlier handling. No harsh fumes, no aggressive corrosives — easier for you to use and safer for the shop.
• Works with our lineup. Pairs perfectly with our lube line for a complete maintenance routine that honors tradition without sacrificing modern convenience.

Field tips from the RMC crew

• On long hunts, carry a small bottle in your pack. A quick patch soaked in No. 7 between sessions prevents fouling from hardening overnight.
• For touch-hole build up, apply No. 7 with a pipe cleaner or small brush and let it sit a few minutes before clearing with the proper vent pick.
• When switching from Blackhorn-style loads back to traditional black powder, run No. 7 as part of your first cleanup to remove residue left by substitutes.

Final thought

At RMC Ox-Yoke we make gear for people who care about doing things right — whether that’s in the blind before the sun comes up or back at the bench after a long season. Happy Valley No. 7 gives you a modern solution for modern fouling, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time doing what matters: hunting, shooting, and passing the tradition on.

— RMC Ox-Yoke Writer
(Faith. Flintlocks. Tradition.)